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Compliance

Maintaining Compliance with
IEC 60079-17

Safety is an integral part of every activity, project, and workplace situated in hazardous areas. The challenging nature of work in such conditions requires the establishment of protocols and safety measures.

In high-speed environments like offshore rigs, regulatory standards such as IEC 60079-17 are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of operations.
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Key Insights

IEC 60079-17 focuses on ongoing compliance, not one-time inspections

Compliance requires continuous inspection and maintenance throughout the full lifecycle of Ex equipment to ensure installations remain safe over time.

Accurate documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance

Complete and up-to-date inspection records, equipment data, and corrective actions are required to prove compliance during audits and regulatory reviews.

Structured inspections performed by competent personnel are critical

Defined inspection intervals, clear inspection scopes, and qualified inspectors are necessary to meet the practical requirements of IEC 60079-17.

What is IEC 60079-17?

IEC 60079-17 is an international standard that defines requirements for the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in areas where explosive atmospheres may be present. It applies to hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts can create a risk of explosion.

The standard places strong emphasis on regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and proper documentation to ensure continued safety throughout the lifecycle of Ex equipment. Following IEC 60079-17 helps organisations reduce risk, maintain compliance, and operate safely in explosive atmospheres.

SafeEx Cloud, as a solution, can play a crucial role in addressing and streamlining tasks related to IEC 60079-17 compliance.

Here is how:

Hazard zone management

SafeEx Cloud provides a digital platform to map, define, and document hazardous areas. This ensures zones are clearly identified and that only correctly certified equipment is used in each location.

Equipment data and traceability

Equipment information and data plates are centralised in a single system. By using RFID tags and QR codes, equipment can be accurately identified and kept up to date, reducing the risk of non-compliant or incorrectly marked equipment in hazardous areas.

Scheduled inspections and maintenance

Inspection and maintenance activities can be planned and scheduled in advance, with automated reminders to ensure tasks are completed at the correct intervals in line with IEC 60079-17 requirements.

Documentation and record keeping

All documentation related to installations, inspections, findings, and corrective actions is stored and organised digitally. This provides full traceability and easy access to compliance records during audits and regulatory inspections.

Real-time compliance visibility

Compliance status can be monitored continuously, allowing organisations to identify gaps early, prioritise corrective actions, and reduce the risk of non-compliance while improving overall safety.

Conclusion

SafeEx supports IEC 60079-17 compliance by turning regulatory requirements into structured, digital workflows. It helps organisations manage hazardous zones, maintain accurate equipment data, schedule inspections, and keep complete documentation, while providing real-time visibility into compliance status.

Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 60079-17 is an international standard that defines how electrical installations in hazardous areas must be inspected and maintained. It applies to operators, asset owners, and contractors working in environments where explosive gas or dust atmospheres may occur.
The standard requires inspections to be carried out at defined intervals based on equipment type, installation conditions, and environmental factors. Inspection frequency must be documented and consistently followed to maintain compliance over time.
Compliance is demonstrated through structured inspections, competent personnel, and complete documentation. This includes accurate equipment records, inspection findings, corrective actions, and traceable maintenance history that can be presented during audits or regulatory reviews.
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